'Kick Butts' carnival aims to stop smoking among young people

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Anti-smoking activism took the form of a carnival at Grand Rapids Community College on Wednesday March 19.

The event hosted by Grand Rapids Urban League used games to highlight the dangers of smoking cigarettes. It was part of Kick Butts Day, a nationwide day of activism encouraging youth to speak out against tobacco interests.

Fifteen Urban League fellows led games and educational activities at GRCC's dining area, the Raider Grille, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The carnival was divided into five stations, representing the five decades since the first Surgeon General's report on the health hazards of smoking.

More than 15,000 young people begin smoking each year in Michigan, according to the Urban League. Tobacco makers spent $275 million to market their products in the state in 2011, the group says.

"The good news is that there are a number of evidence-based programs and policy changes, which are being implemented by local communities and the state tobacco program, that can help us reduce smoking rates,” said Lisa Butler, who coordinates the league's Center for Health, Wellness and Tobacco-Free Living.

“Schools that are 24/7 tobacco-free, along with tobacco-free outdoor recreation areas, smoke-free multi-unit housing, and increasing access to tobacco dependence treatment options are all effective in reducing youth and adult tobacco use rates,” she said.